Variance

New Mini Spared I-Drive Over some solid food and drink at a hipper-than-thou restaurant with a number of Mini execs after a long day at the show, WINDING ROAD managed to pry loose the fact that (contrary to early reports) the next-generation Mini will not feature BMW’s love/hate iDrive multi-function controller in any, way, shape or form. Read "WR Exclusive: No iDrive For 2007 Mini!!" @ Winding Road

I haven't seen Mullaly rule it out.

It might be a little difficult considering the topic but can we ease back on the politics? It never ends well.

Cobalt coupe G5 Pursuit Eclipse Civic coupe

Toyota to Upgrade NUMMI Japan's top carmaker Toyota says it is upgrading a US plant equally owned with ailing General Motors, which has been negotiating an alliance with the French-Japanese Renault-Nissan group. But Toyota Motor Corp., widely seen as set to overtake GM as the world's top vehicle maker, denied that the new investment in the California plant was aimed at strengthening its partnership with the US car giant. Read "Toyota upgrading joint US plant with GM" @ Yahoo

Hyundai has released official images: Leftlane News has more (and bigger images): http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/29/200...buron-revealed/

Specifications Source: Toyota Motor Company

Premium Appointments The new LS 600h L will not only offer the highest level of performance, safety and technological advancements, it will also provide the highest level of comfort, convenience and roominess of the three distinctly different LS models. Both the hybrid and the LS 460 L's long-wheelbase models bring 4.8 inches of additional legroom for rear passengers. They also can be outfitted with a long list of luxury conveniences that includes four-zone front and rear air conditioning with air purification, rear-door power sunshades and rear power headrests, a unique four-person seating configuration with a fixed rear console and fold-out wood table, with a right rear-seat 45-degree recliner with leg rest and multifunction massage. Technology amenities on the long-wheelbase models will include voice-activated hard disk drive (HDD) Navigation with Bluetooth® technology and XM real-time traffic system, a first in the prestige luxury segment, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with power nine-inch drop-down screen, and the specially developed 19-speaker 450-watt Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio system, which creates a new standard for automotive sound systems. In addition, the LS 600h L will be the world's first vehicle to be equipped with LED headlights for nighttime and low-beam use. The LS will also be the first Lexus to offer XM satellite radio as a factory-installed option. The all-new LS sedans will all offer an Advanced Parking Guidance System. The driver simply selects a parking spot, lines up the vehicle and pushes a button and the system parks the car with just a little brake work by the driver. Like all LS-series vehicles, the LS 600h L's intelligent and evocative design carries through to the beautifully appointed cabin. Extra luxury and comfort touches include a heated steering wheel and seats wrapped in one of four tones of semi-aniline leathers matched to one of three coordinating wood-grain trims. Craftsmanship While the list of comfort, convenience and luxury features on the new LS-series vehicles is remarkable, another truly defining aspect of these cars is their superb craftsmanship. In order to build a vehicle that would redefine "world's best," Lexus started by improving a production process widely recognized as the industry's finest. The new LS 600h L as well as the LS 460 and LS 460 L are the result of an all-new build process developed specifically for the LS line at Lexus' award-winning Tahara, Japan, plant. With this extraordinary investment in engineering expertise comes a luxury sedan that achieves extraordinary new levels of fit, finish, accuracy and refinement. The all-new LS sedans showcase the Lexus belief that every element and phase of production is vital and that building cars is more than just a business—it is an art form.

In Depth: Lexus LS600h L Revised: 09/28/2006 September 12, 2006 - Torrance, CA - Unveiled at the 2006 New York International Automobile Show, Lexus' all-new 2008 LS 600h L hybrid luxury sedan is scheduled to arrive in spring 2007. The all-wheel-drive LS 600h L will be the world's first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 powertrain. "The LS 600h L was developed to explore the outer reaches of performance, style and safety," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "It is a vehicle as efficient and familiar as it is indulgent and advanced, a far-reaching concept, fully developed and fully realized. It is simply in a class by itself." Lexus Hybrid Drive Coinciding with the debut of the all-new LS is the introduction of the Lexus Hybrid Drive name, which will be used globally for all Lexus hybrid models. The hybrid-drive system in the LS 600h L builds upon the Lexus legacy established by the RX 400h and GS 450h to combine an all-new five-liter V8 gasoline engine with large, high-output electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack. This advanced combination will provide the LS 600h L with an unmatched balance of environmental efficiency and performance, furnishing the hybrid with a peak combined output rating of more than 430 horsepower. To distribute this immense power, a new full-time all-wheel-drive system is utilized for superior handling control. The LS 600h L also employs a newly developed dual-stage electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. This combination results in impressive power and seamless acceleration. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system found in the LS 600h L is the automotive industry's most advanced gas-electric hybrid system developed to date. The hybrid system results in seamless power and very impressive passing speed. It will deliver power and performance on a par with modern 12-cylinder engines, while still delivering best-in-V8-class fuel efficiency. The LS hybrid is expected to carry a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating. A SULEV rating means the LS 600h L has nearly 70 percent fewer emissions than the "cleanest" of its competitors. "It is fair to say that to our knowledge there is nothing on the road, or on the drawing board, that comes close to delivering such a formerly contradictory combination of jaw-dropping engine performance, fuel efficiency and fewer emissions," Carter said. Owing to the inherent noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) improvements offered by its hybrid powertrain, the LS 600h L is designed to set a new standard for silent running in the prestige-luxury sedan class. The depth and density of cabin quietness in the LS 600h L required extensive re-engineering of accessory motors and switches. With "quiet-ride" ranking as one of the top five reasons for purchase of prestige-luxury vehicles, especially among current LS owners, the LS 600h L is well-situated in its class and poised to please the exacting luxury-car buyer. Its NVH levels are about half that found in conventional cars, making the hybrid LS one of the quietest automobiles ever built, if not the quietest. High-Output V8 and World's First Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission The LS 460 and LS 460 L will be powered by an all-new, highly advanced 4.6-liter V8 engine that will produce approximately 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a world-first eight-speed automatic transmission, these LS sedans will travel from zero-to-sixty miles per hour in 5.4 seconds. Even with this level of performance, the new LS sedans are expected to receive a combined city/highway mileage of 23 mpg as well as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) rating. Advanced Active Safety Technologies Coinciding with the launch of the hybrid model is a newly developed, Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) that is unlike any system ever before offered by Lexus. One element of APCS is a new system designed to help detect pedestrians in the vehicle's path. Two small cameras mounted at the front of the car, in conjunction with millimeter-wave radar, are sensitive enough to detect not just large metal obstructions such as cars but also smaller nonmetallic objects, such as humans. A third camera, mounted on the steering column, monitors the orientation of the driver's face. If the camera sees that the driver is not looking directly ahead for a few seconds or more, and if an obstacle is detected ahead, then it alerts the driver first with a warning chime and a flashing light. To assist the driver in maneuvering around the obstacle, the system reprograms the steering ratio, amplifying the intensity and quickness of the steering response. While all of this is happening, the system automatically retracts the seat-belt restraints for driver and front passenger and prepares the brake system to respond with increased force when activated by the driver in anticipation of a possible impact. Dynamic Driving These unique active safety systems team with Lexus' proprietary next-generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, standard on all new LS models, which integrates Electric Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Electronic Control Brakes (ECB), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). An air suspension system equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) will be standard on the LS 600h L and an option on the LS 460 L. VGRS optimizes the steering gear ratio according to vehicle speed to help enhance responsiveness and driver control. VGRS also partners with VDIM, making minor adjustments to front-wheel angle for improved control in challenging road conditions. Together these technologies make up an intelligently designed, logically conceived vehicle that helps to provide a level of confidence and control never before experienced. L-finesse The styling on the new LS begins with a daring design language that shatters the myth that luxury sedans must be sedate and understated. A result of the recent design direction Lexus deems L-finesse, the new LS vehicles are the crowning touch to a fully restyled car lineup, which already includes the GS, IS and ES sedans. The L-finesse design philosophy has its roots in creating a balance of contrasting elements. The new LS encompasses this direction with its bold look, style and personality—both vivid and forceful while at the same time warm, inviting and contemporary. With a pulled-back hood, characteristic of the new Lexus look, low-to-the- ground stance and elegantly sculpted and streamlined body contours, the LS emphasizes simplicity and style in a stunning, modern package.

That Futurama episode where Fry meets that 80s guy.

Ok. I wasn't sure because the article referred to it as the "Esprit" and the "replacement for Esprit/Esprit sucessor".

Awesome. Awesome to the max.

Speaking of Auroras, someone's selling a 2001 V6 for only $5K. It does have an assload of miles (~116K) but the body and interior look in ok shape. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsmobile-...031817100QQrdZ1

Spied: Lotus "Esprit" "Esprit" in quotes because it's unclear whether this car will carry its predecessor's name. Read @ Auto Express

Kerkorian May Boost His Stake in GM Billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian pressed his case for a three-way alliance between General Motors Corp., Renault and Nissan on Thursday, backing up his argument with a threat to push his GM holdings to more than 10 percent. Kerkorian's Tracinda Corp., broke the news in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, sending GM's stock to a 52-week high at $33.64 in early trading on the New York Stock Exchange. By closing, though, the price had eased to $33.06, up 78 cents, or 2.4 percent. Read "Kerkorian may buy 12M more GM shares" @ Yahoo

Pricing: 2007 Honda CR-V TORRANCE, Calif. 09/28/2006 -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced the all-new 2007 Honda CR-V is debuting today at dealerships nationwide. Prices for the 2007 Honda CR-V range from $20,600 for the CR-V LX model to $26,000 for the CR-V 4-WD EX-L model. Honda's Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ and rearview camera is available as a $2,000 factory-installed option. The all-new CR-V features a sophisticated interior design that delivers near-luxury style along with improved refinement and a more powerful and efficient 166-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 4 cylinder engine. As part of Honda's industry leading "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all Honda light trucks, including the CR-V, are equipped with a Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA™) system and a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including side curtain airbags with roll-over sensors, front side airbags with Occupant Position Detection System and anti-lock braking system. The 2007 CR-V features Honda's innovative Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE®) Body Structure for enhanced frontal collision safety. New features on 2007 CR-V models include: -Distinctive, upscale, dynamic and versatile styling -Standard safety equipment includes ACE Body Structure and Active Front Head Restraints -Interior design and amenities deliver near-luxury style and refinement -New body and chassis designs result in smoother, more agile performance and a quieter cabin -10 more horsepower (166 hp) and standard 5-speed automatic transmission -Improved ingress/egress with optimized door designs and 1.3 inch lower step-in height than the previous generation CR-V -Dual-deck cargo shelf (available) -Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition Trim Level Transmission MSRP Percent increase 2007 Model Year from 2006 Model Year CR-V 2WD LX 5 Speed Auto $20,600 1.0% EX 5 Speed Auto $22,850 1.3% EX-L 5 Speed Auto $24,800 New Trim Level EX-L Navi 5 Speed Auto $26,800 New Trim Level 4WD LX 5 Speed Auto $21,800 0.9% EX 5 Speed Auto $24,050 1.3% EX-L 5 Speed Auto $26,000 New Trim Level EX-L Navi 5 Speed Auto $28,000 New Trim Level Worldwide, the CR-V is built in seven countries at eight factories, and for the first time it will be assembled using domestic and globally-sourced parts in North America at Honda of America Manufacturing in the East Liberty Plant (Ohio). A truly global product for Honda, the CR-V is sold in 160 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2007 Honda CR-V is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information regarding the CR-V is available at newcrv.honda.com. Source: American Honda

No, it isn't.

Man, the truck dwarfs the wheels so much, it's almost comical. It looks like the truck is rolling on 15s.

About 14K Delphi Union Workers to Leave Delphi Corp. (Pink Sheets: DPHIQ) today announced results of the Hourly Special Attrition Plan reached on March 22, 2006 and the Hourly Special Supplemental Attrition Plan reached on June 2, 2006 between the UAW, General Motors and Delphi. Approximately 12,400 Delphi employees, representing roughly 85% of the retirement-eligible UAW workforce, elected to retire by January 1, 2007. Approximately 1,400 employees elected the buyout option. Read "Delphi says nearly 14,000 UAW workers to leave" @ The Auto Channel

Lotus to Bring the Exige S Stateside Finally. Lotus is sending its top-shelf hooch to the US, in the form of a superchargerd Exige S. The company anounced today that the near-supercar Exige is coming to the states in the form of a 220-hp version (a 16-percent lift from the base model). The coupe, which weighs in at 2,077 pounds, can get from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds (nearly a second faster than the base model) and to 100 mph in 11 seconds, under the command of a six-speed tranny. Top speed is 148 mph. The model also gets variable-revs cam switching, by way of its T4e engine control system. For you? $56,990. Operators are standing by. Read "Supercharged Lotus Exige S Coming to the US" @ Jalopnik

I just hope the ads aren't full of cheesy hyperpatriotism.

I gotta say, I'm still not sure how I feel about this. It'd be great if the companies were able to find synergy in some projects that would benefit them and us consumers but at the same time, not too many prospects come immediately to mind.

GM, Renault and Nissan Issue Joint Statement Regarding Alliance Prospects PARIS (Sept. 27, 2006) -- General Motors, Renault and Nissan today said that a meeting was held between Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Renault, SAS and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Rick Wagoner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, Corp., regarding ongoing discussions concerning the possibility of creating an industrial alliance among these three companies. Through the work of the three study teams, our companies continue to explore the potential opportunities of an industrial alliance. The teams are conducting a thorough and objective analysis of potential synergies between all three companies with a focus on how an alliance could generate significant shareholder value for each company. Following today’s meeting, it has been confirmed that the teams will continue the studies through to the planned mid-October completion date. No further information will be provided at this time. Source: General Motors, Renault SA and Nissan Motor Company

GM: Feeding the Healthcare Giant The world's largest automaker is being driven deep into financial trouble not only by the cars of a competitor, but also by the medical bills of its own workers and retirees. Last year, GM spent $5.3 billion on health care -- enough to buy a GMC Yukon for each of its U.S. employees. By 2008, General Motors will likely spend more on health care in the United States than on its hourly-worker payroll. Read "Stranglehold" @ The Detroit News

I don't make fun of it for that. I make fun of it because it's pug fugly.